SRGC Discussion Weekend 2014

[Stan da Prato]

yet more- African plants, Australasian plants, plants that did not fit any other classes with a colourful Oxalis I  think  from Kath Rimmer, a nice set of Sorbus fruits from Cathy Caudwell, and another holiday photo set from those inveterate travellers Margaret and Henry Taylor.

[Stan da Prato]

People among the plants.

[Stan da Prato]

and more...

[Stan da Prato]

yet more

[Stan da Prato]

and others

[Stan da Prato]

three nurseries -Aberconwy, Ardfearn and Amand -as well as the club plant stall and of course Glassford with his extremely useful labels.

[Stan da Prato]

trophies ready for the presentation, all the  very good talks, members signing  a get well card for Jim Sutherland, opportunities  for watching the local wildlife or just catching up with friends.

[Stan da Prato]

finally two entries  into the caption competition.

[David Shaw]

As one of the DWE organisers I can say that I was extremely happy with the show and the whole weekend. So many of the attractions were so much better supported than in 2013 and that was entirely due to the delegates. In the show hall staging had to be halted on Friday morning, when we realised that entries were going to be much higher than anticipated, so that we could insert another row of tables (pic 2380). That is the hotel manager with his back to us and wearing a 'proper' shirt! Quality was generally good also even though we all were having a difficult time with our bulbs. Crocuses were not good and all entrants were constantly removing handfulls of fallen blooms from our cyclamen. On the other hand some plants, such as the gentians, really shone. See Stan's pics for for the plants, so much better than any I took - thanks for sharing them, Stan.
The photo competions were also much better supported. In 2013 the trade stand people were not overly impressed with their sales but had no reason to feel disappointed this year.
One of the most surprising differences was in the Friday evening 'bulb exchange'. One of the poorest that I have seen in 2013 but this year we were inundated with donations (pic 2402). And, not only that. We normally remove unsold bulbs at the end of the exchange and take them down to the club sales table, this year, for the first time that I can remember, the last packet was lifted from the table in less than half-an-hour after the start of the event! Remarkable.

[Maggi Young]

Al Elliott tweets : Almost a full house at TheBotanics for the joint Scottish Rock GC and Royal Caledonian Horticulture Society talk by Nicola Ripley, Director of the Betty Ford Alpine Garden at Vail , Colorado - we very much enjoyed this talk at the DWE ....

[Maggi Young]

Another pic from Edinburgh - Nicola's talk.....

[Matt T]

The only word I can find do describe the DWE is - fantastic! For anyone who hasn't been before, I can only say GO!! Easily accessible and beautiful location. Excellent facilities and great service at the hotel, including top notch food. Eight outstanding lectures, plus so many fine plants in the show and plenty of opportunities for retail therapy. But more than anything, the warm welcome from all the members and interesting discussions we had really made it a great weekend. Saving the pennies for next year...

And, to top off a great weekend I arrived home to find a package full of Crocus seeds, which made up for the ferry cancellation 

[Carol Shaw]

The only word I can find do describe the DWE is - fantastic! For anyone who hasn't been before, I can only say GO!! Easily accessible and beautiful location. Excellent facilities and great service at the hotel, including top notch food. Eight outstanding lectures, plus so many fine plants in the show and plenty of opportunities for retail therapy. But more than anything, the warm welcome from all the members and interesting discussions we had really made it a great weekend. Saving the pennies for next year...

Hi Matt, delighted you enjoyed the weekend you were a big help one way and another… Looking forward to having you back next year

[fermi de Sousa]

...  I arrived home to find a package full of Crocus seeds, which made up for the ferry cancellation 

If more transport authorities were to offer compensation in the form of seeds or plants, what a wonderful world it would be!
cheers
fermi

[Anthony Darby]

Looks like the DW is the pinnacle of the SRGC year. From what I can see this event goes from strength to strength.